Jesus Christ stands as the perfect model of an evangelist. He embodied the most effective and compassionate engagement with those He ministered to. His approach was not about chasing people down to convince them but rather about attracting and engaging them through love, truth, and grace. As the Word made flesh, He dwelt among us, He entered into our world and met people at their point of deepest need. His ministry reached across social and cultural boundaries

Mark 1:40-42 tells the story of a man with leprosy who approaches Him, begging to be healed. The story shows Jesus' compassion as the driving force behind His actions. When the man says, "If you are willing, you can make me clean," Jesus, moved with  compassion, reaches out and touches him, declaring, "I am willing. Be clean!" Instantly, the leprosy leaves the man, and he is healed. His willingness to heal stems from a deep place of love and empathy for those who suffer. 

Jesus’ experience of being rejected in some places reminds us that not everyone will accept our message or ministry, no matter how genuine or divinely inspired it may be. His response to rejection was not one of anger or retaliation, but of grace, mercy, and continued commitment to His mission of saving lives. As ministers, we must avoid a sense of entitlement and instead adopt a spirit of humility and patience, trusting that it is God who opens hearts and doors. By focusing on love and integrity, we build trust and reflect Christ's own compassionate approach, knowing that true ministry thrives when it is led by the Spirit and rooted in love, even in the face of resistance.

Amidst the world's challenges, our security in God serves as an anchor for our soul. The Holy Spirit continually affirms our identity as God's children, and He conitnually reminds us of all that this identity entails. It’s no surprise that those filled with the Spirit and led by Him often exhibit confidence and boldness. This inner witness of the Holy Spirit leads to a profound sense of security, and what Tim Keller calls ‘emotional wealth’, a sense of being loved so deeply that when someone wrongs us we can afford to be generous, and able to forgive. 

Spiritual warfare is both an internal and external battle we face against the enemies of God. Destructive and evil forces are constantly waging war against God and anyone who bears His spiritual DNA. The story of Moses vividly illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare, showing us from the outset that victory comes through the power of prayer and trust in God

Spiritual warfare can manifest in various forms throughout a person's life, with the primary goal of hindering growth and opposing God's plan for the individual. Many have endured significant hardships as a result of spiritual attacks, sometimes leading to the sabotage of their destinies or even leading to death. However, it is important to note that not all hardships are the result of spiritual warfare.

 It's not always within our control to decide how long the battle lasts, but if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, He will undoubtedly lead us to victory.  It’s natural to feel weary when the struggle drags on longer than expected. Fatigue in battle is a normal human response. However, this is when sound doctrine becomes invaluable. In moments of crisis, knowing God’s truth sustains us and keeps us anchored.

It’s not about who or what we are running from, but rather who we are running to. It matters far more whom we seek refuge in than what we flee from - who we turn to than the threats we face.